Cindy McLean makes it clear that she is grateful for provincial and municipal funding for the Flin Flon Public Library.
But unfortunately that support was not enough to keep the library doors open on Saturdays this fall and winter.
“The Saturday closing was only decided after much deliberation, and a careful study of traffic and library services on Saturdays,” said McLean, administrator of the library. “Remaining open six days a week was studied, and closing was deemed to be our only financially prudent restraint.”
For decades, the library had been open on Saturdays in the fall and winter, a convenience for patrons too busy to visit during the week. This fall, library staff determined Saturday openings had become unaffordable.
McLean said the library had already reduced its book budget by 36 per cent, or $13,790, between 2009 and 2015.
“All other expenses, including utilities, have steadily increased,” she said.
McLean said the Manitoba government’s funding level for libraries of $8.50 per capita has not increased since 2004. Population declines eat away at this funding, which now stands at $59,251 a year, an amount that factors in a portion of Cranberry Portage.
“Based on the current formula…our funding may continue to decline, or increase, based on population fluctuations,” she said. “Thriving communities that are growing see an increase in funding – it’s a simple formula. Although we are grateful for the provincial commitment, the fundamental problem with library funding is…the fact that the provincial library grants are tied to the census.”
To help bridge a growing financial gap, in 2014 the library sought and received annual funding boosts from the City of Flin Flon, Town of Creighton and Northern Village of Denare Beach. Creighton later reduced its contribution slightly, but still remained above its 2014 level of support.
One challenging factor for the library is the fact that the building is owned by the City of Flin Flon, which is solely responsible for its upkeep.
“This can be very expensive, and this year alone we have experienced a flood in the archives room, which required extensive repairs, as well as repairs to a leaky roof,” McLean said. “On top of city repairs as required, the library budgeted $2,000 from our 2016 operating revenue for small building repairs. This year we had to replace both bathroom downstairs sinks, which were literally falling off the wall.”
McLean also pointed out that the library is dependent entirely on grants. Despite what is commonly believed, library employees are paid out of these grants, not by the City of Flin Flon.
“Libraries everywhere are under pressure because of rising costs and budgetary constraints – and we understand that our local municipal offices are under the same pressure,” she said. “It is a sad fact of society that money for library services is always hard to come by, even though intuitively legislators recognize the merit in public libraries.”
Despite the challenges, McLean said she and her staff remain focused and optimistic.
She said she is grateful for all funding sources, including private grants that have made certain upgrades and renovations possible.
Another plus is that the library membership has soared by 1,223 members, or 45 per cent, over the past six years.
McLean invites patrons to stop by the library to sign pre-written letters requesting more funding of Rochelle Squires, Manitoba’s minister of sport, culture and heritage. She also invites residents to write to Flin Flon MLA Tom Lindsey in support of increased library funding.
